Sociology at University of Michigan-Flint

UM-Flint sociology graduates start strong at $41,460—well above the national median of $34,102 and outperforming even flagship Michigan State's $35,055. But that promising launch doesn't hold: earnings drop to $33,485 by year four, a 19% decline that reverses the typical career trajectory. While debt sits around $26,500 based on similar Michigan programs, that initial earning power makes repayment manageable in those crucial early years.

The earnings slide demands explanation. Sociology degrees often lead to fields where initial opportunities—case management, social services, nonprofit work—can give way to career changes or graduate school pursuits that temporarily depress income. The question for parents is whether their student has a clear path beyond entry-level roles, since this data suggests many graduates either pivot away from their first jobs or hit an early ceiling.

The first-year numbers position this program competitively, but plan for volatility. If your student intends to leverage the degree into graduate school or a specific career track, UM-Flint provides a solid platform at a reasonable cost. If they're uncertain about next steps, that year-four decline becomes more worrying—especially since the strong start might mask underlying challenges in converting a sociology degree into sustained earning power.